Newly married couple standing agains the sunset

Defining A Marital Relationship

The marital relationship has wide-ranging impact throughout the legal world. Inheritance, creditor liability, personal liability, tax liability, employment benefits, Medicaid benefits, social security benefits—to name but a few—are all impacted by one’s marital status.

Two wedding rings on a blue background

Common Law Marriage in Texas

Texas is one of a relatively few states that continues to recognize common law marriage. Because marital status determines division of property upon death, whether you and your partner are in a common law marriage will impact your estate plan and the division of assets upon death.

DSHS Announces Equal Policies for Vital Records, Birth Certificates

Since the Supreme Court ruling on marriage in June, I have been working with several other attorneys on getting the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to update their policies to make them consistent with those of opposite-sex couples with regard to vital records, including birth certificates and death certificates. In August, DSHS released new regulations allowing …

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Marrying Out of State: What Texas Same-Sex Couples Should Know

Since the United States Supreme Court decision in June, the dominoes of marriage inequality have been tumbling so fast it is difficult to keep track of all the courts overturning bans on same-sex marriage. Federal challenges to these bans have been almost all successful. The sole exception came from a Louisiana federal court in early September 2014. …

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End of Life Planning

Decisions regarding end of life care and treatment involve deeply personal and often very difficult choices. In a lovely and moving article published in the Wall Street Journal, the author documents her mother’s end of life choices.

Designation of Guardian: An Estate Planning Essential

Many discussions around estate planning involve the topics of wills and powers of attorney. However, a Designation of Guardian in Advance of Need is also an essential part of a comprehensive estate plan — especially for unmarried couples. A Designation of Guardian can be used in two ways: to designate a guardian for yourself should you become incapacitated or to designate a guardian for your child. …

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